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Autumn Internationals: Ireland v Argentina

Autumn Internationals: Ireland v Argentina

Ireland are in pursuit of 10 wins in a row at the Aviva, they face a dangerous Argentina side

Patrick Madden Sat, Nov 10
 
LIVE: Autumn Internationals: Ireland v Argentina

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  • Good evening!

    Welcome to our coverage of Ireland's clash with Argentina at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 6.30pm).

    Last week Joe Schmidt's squad - well, some of them - enjoyed an autumn sojourn in Chicago, as they thrashed Italy 54-7 at Soldier Field.

    But with that merry trip out of the way, the real business can now begin. Tonight's clash against Los Pumas is a deceptively difficult one, and will serve as far more than just a warm-up before the All Blacks roll into town.

    Like back in October 2015 - when they knocked a battered Ireland out of the Rugby World Cup in the quarters - Argentina possess an incisive, electric running game.

    But Ireland are now an entirely different animal to the side who were blown away that day in Cardiff. Indeed, only eight of the matchday 23 from the Millennium Stadium are involved tonight.

    Three years on and it feels like completely different era. The 2019 World Cup is looming closer and closer into view - Irish sights are set far higher than the last eight.

    We'll be bringing you all the action on a soaked day in Dublin, as Ireland look to negotiate their first real test of the autumn.

    Come on!!!

  • TEAMS

    IRELAND: J Larmour; J Stockdale, R Henshaw, B Aki, K Earls; J Sexton, K Marmion; C Healy, R Best (capt), T Furlong; J Ryan, I Henderson; P O’Mahony, S O’Brien, CJ Stander. Replacements: S Cronin, J McGrath, A Porter, D Toner, D Leavy, L McGrath, J Carbery, A Conway.

    ARGENTINA: E Boffelli ; B Delguy, M Orlando, J De La Fuente, R Moyano; N Sanchez, T Cubelli; S Garcia Botta, A Creevy, S Medrano; M Alemanno, T Lavanini; P Matera (capt), G Petti, J Ortega Desio. Replacements: J Montoya, JP Zeiss, L Sordoni, R Bruni, T Lezana, G Bertranou, J Diaz Bonilla, M Moroni.

  • We've got plenty of reading to keep you entertained ahead of kick-off.

    You can read Gerry Thornley's match preview HERE.

    He has looked at the electric rise of Jordan Larmour HERE.

    While Gavin Cummiskey has looked back at a history of violence between Ireland and Argentina, and asks where has all the Argy-bargy gone? You can read that HERE.

  • 30 mins until kick-off!
  • In case you missed it, England lost to the All Blacks by a point at Twickenham this afternoon - the World Champions winning 16-15 after Sam Underhill's late try was disallowed. You can read the match report HERE.

  • Schmidt has made 12 changes tonight from the side which won in Chicago last weekend - Larmour, Bundee Aki and Jacob Stockdale the three retaining their places.

    One of the most eye-catching selections is the return of Seán O'Brien for his first international start in nearly a year.

    Ireland have an embarrassment of backrow riches - there's no place in the 23 for Josh van Der Flier, Jordi Murphy or Jack Conan - but there's no doubt they are a better side with O'Brien.

  • BREAKING

    It looks like Will Addison will be starting in midfield tonight ahead of Robbie Henshaw who picked up a knock in the warm-up.

    Will confirm that ASAP.

  • Still no confirmation, but Addison was running with the starting XV during the warm-up. He made his first international appearance against Italy last week - starting tonight is a different proposition.
  • As for Argentina, 22 of today's 23-man squad play for Super Rugby side the Jaguares. Familiarity.
  • Here come the teams in Dublin.  
  • If Addison has a blinder tonight it puts another name in the hat for a starting berth in the centre. He's behind Aki, Henshaw, Ringrose and Farrell for now.
  • Early bonus point for Argentina for their slick trackie tops.
  • 45 mins gone in Cardiff and it's Wales 3 Australia 3.

  • The anthems are done, Nicolas Sanchez to get us underway. Tonight's referee is Australia's Nic Berry.

    BEEEEEEEEEEP!

  • 1 min: The kick-off is straight into Earls' bread basket, Ireland look to move the ball early on.  

  • 2 min: Ireland run it wide left and Stockdale tries to stand his man up but is well tackled. After nearly 10 phases Argentina slow the Irish ball down on the home 10-metre and are awarded a penalty, Larmour pinged for not releasing.

    Sanchez will go for goal. It's a tricky chance, on the Irish 10 and out to the right - he nails it. Brilliant kick.

    3 MIN: IRELAND 0 ARGENTINA 3

  • 4 min: The battle on the floor is ferocious already - this time the visitors are penalised for not releasing after O'Mahony latches on. Sexton finds touch on the 22.

  • 5 min: Best hits Henderson with the lineout and Ireland move the ball, carrying hard and straight up the middle. There's a lovely step from Furlong who then carries through Ortega Desio, before Ireland are awarded another penalty.

    It's very kickable, but Sexton goes for the corner.

  • 6 min: Best hits Ryan at the back of the lineout, before Berry blows for another penalty. Sexton stitches it back into the right corner.
  • 8 min: Ireland get the rumble going at the second time of asking, Stander being driven over by Furlong and O'Brien. Ireland think they've scored but the ref checks with the TMO - there's no clear grounding so a five-metre scrum is awarded.
  • TRY IRELAND!!!!!!!

  • Ireland monster Argentina at the scrum, they have an advantage coming but Marmion picks and snipes over the line.

    Sexton drags his conversion attempt horribly wide on the left.  

    10 MIN: IRELAND 5 ARGENTINA 3

  • 11 min: Sloppy from Ireland, they can't secure the restart - Moyano pouncing after Henderson fails to claim it - and then get penalised under their own posts as O'Mahony is caught offside.

    Sanchez knocks over a simple penalty.

    12 MIN: IRELAND 5 ARGENTINA 6

  • 13 min: O'Mahony - of all people - opts for a grubber in behind which Delguy deals with smartly, selling Earls with a nice step.  
  • 14 min: O'Brien strays high with a tackle on the Argentina 10 and there's another penalty for the visitors, which Sanchez sends into touch. Ireland have been a bit sloppy.
  • 16 min: Ireland's linespeed on halfway is good and Sanchez is forced into a high kick. Stockdale leaps above Delguy and Orlando but knocks the ball forward.
  • TRY ARGENTINA!!!!!!!

  • Electric from Argentina. Orlando bursts through the Irish midfield and finds De La Fuente, who then moves it to Delguy with the cutest of offloads. He is well tackled by O'Brien but the visitors recycle it at pace and move it through the hands - Delguy there on the right to cruise over in the corner.

    Sanchez can't hook his conversion inside the upright.

    20 MIN: IRELAND 5 ARGENTINA 11

  • 21 min: This is fast and loose - Ireland would probably like a bit more control. Good play from Stockdale, he fields a deep kick and opts to carry, arcing his run to the left and getting on the outside shoulder. He is awarded a penalty when he's tackled inside the Argentina half - Sexton opts for touch again.
  • 22 min: Ireland can't get the maul going after Alemanno grips Henderson as he was lifted to claim the lineout. Another penalty and another Irish lineout. Henderson is the jumper again - he pops it down for O'Mahony who spills the ball.
  • 24 min: Ireland then make mincemeat of the Argentina scrum - winning it against the head and earning a penalty advantage.
  • TRY IRELAND!!!!!!!!

  • From the scrum turnover Ireland hammer away deep inside the 22. Aki runs a brilliant line and looks certain to score but is tackled just short. A few phases later Marmion looks for an offload and is tackled from behind by Lavanini - Aki picks up the pieces and thunders over the line.

    Sexton converts, Ireland have the lead.

    27 MIN: IRELAND 12 ARGENTINA 11

  • 28 min: Again, Ireland make a hash of the restart. Argentina just about retain the ball from a scrum on the 22 and have a decent attacking platform out on the left. Sanchez drops into the pocket and launces a garryowen high into the Dublin sky - Larmour can't claim under pressure from Boffelli, but Addison greatfully snatches on the second ball.
  • 30 MIN: IRELAND 12 ARGENTINA 11
  • 32 min: A string of powerful Irish scrums inside their own 22 and near the left touchline - Furlong helping earn a penalty. Sexton finds touch inside the Argentina half.
  • 33 min: But then Ireland's lineout - normally so well oiled - falters again, the ball knocked forward. Devin Toner could be earning a recall next week.

  • 34 min: A big tackle from Ryan on the left but then Bundee is penalised for a late hit on Sanchez.

    He gets up and dusts himself down in time to slot another lovely kick.

    35 MIN: IRELAND 12 ARGENTINA 14

  • 37 min: Healy tries to force an offload on halfway and the covering Delguy picks it off before dancing back into the Irish half.

    Ireland have a penalty just inside the visiting half for not releasing. There's a break in play though as O'Brien is down getting treatment on his arm - he can't continue, and is replaced by Dan Leavy. That is gutting.

    Sexton sends the kick over and Ireland have the lead again.

    39 MIN: IRELAND 15 ARGENTINA 14

  • HT: IRELAND 15 ARGENTINA 14
  • Ireland have the lead at the interval but that was far from a fluid 40 minutes - far too many mistakes. The injury to O'Brien, on his first international start in a year, will leave a seriously bitter taste.
  • The teams are back out in Dublin, Sexton gets us back underway!!

  • 41 min: Sexton tries to pick out, erm, O'Mahony with a crossfield kick. Boffelli claims with ease and Argentina are on the attack straight away. The visitors are getting beyond the gainline and earn a penalty after Leavy is pinged. Replays show his tackle was good but a runner then fell over him while he was on the deck. Soft.

    Sanchez with another fine kick.

    44 MIN: IRELAND 15 ARGENTINA 17

  • 44 min: Argentina look comfortable on the ball until a big tackle from Stander on Petti slows them down. Leavy then turns it over after a brilliant bit of work on the deck. Sexton looks for the space but his deep kick is too strong for Earls and bounces into the ingoal.

  • 45 min: Late hit from Creevy on Sexton on halfway.

    The penalty is just inside the Argentina half - Sexton will go for goal. It's a nice strike, but doesn't quite have the legs.

  • 49 min: Ireland have a penalty advantage but look to run it on halfway, Addison finding Aki on the outside shoulder - that combination hasn't been seen much tonight.

    Back for the penalty after Lavanini didn't roll away. Sexton finds a good touch just inside the 22 on the left.

  • 50 MIN: IRELAND 15 ARGENTINA 17
  • 50 min: Ireland lose another lineout - the third from six. Argentina clear as far as the 10, this time Ireland win their ball and set a maul.
  • 52 min: Brief glimpse for Addison who steps inside off a Sexton pass and is scragged on the 22. Ireland are probing, looking for width, but can't get down the outside. Stockdale is tackled on the right and loses the ball - Larmous collects but has a foot in touch.

  • 53 min: First Ireland change - Jack McGrath on for Healy. Sexton sends up a garryowen which Addison challenges for tamely, Boffelli claiming comfortably.

    What a break! Boffelli then runs an excellent line onto an inside ball, he saunters into the Irish half and kicks ahead, Sexton the green shirt back to cover.

  • 56 min: Sustained period of pressure for Ireland. Marmion and Sanchez are both limping, Furlong gets steamrolled, Larmour shows his dancing feet. It's brutal, loose and scrappy and ends with an Irish penalty.

    Marmion is limping off to be replaced by Luke McGrath. He's given a fairly good account of himself.

    Sexton over the penalty from inside the Argentina 10 - he puts Ireland back in front.

    58 MIN: IRELAND 18 ARGENTINA 17

  • 58 min: Two more Irish changes, Cronin and Toner are on.  

    Boffelli has ruled the skies tonight, he makes another great take ahead of O'Mahony and Argentina are on the ball again deep inside the Ireland half.

  • 59 min: Larmour calls a good mark before finding an even better touch out on the left.
  • 60 MIN: IRELAND 18 ARGENTINA 17
  • 61 min: This time Stockdale makes a great take under serious pressure on the edge of the Irish 22 and he clears well down the left.

  • 62 min: 13 phases for Ireland and they're on the Argentina 22 - Ryan making a booming carry. Argentina's defence is good but Ireland are starting to show a bit of patience on the ball - until a pass to Sexton goes loose. Good recovery from Addison, aiming for the right and finding Larmour, whose grubber ahead bobbles agonisingly into touch.

  • 64 min: Ireland pinch the Argentina lineout - huge chance for the hosts. They work it inside and Leavy makes a big carry - he's just held up by Bertranou.  

    Five-metre scrum for Ireland under the posts.

  • TRY IRELAND!!!!!!!!

  • Solid Irish scrum and Stander pops it off to Luke McGrath, who steps inside past Matera and dives over the line.

    Sexton converts.

    67 MIN: IRELAND 25 ARGENTINA 17

  • 69 min: Bundee collides with Jack McGrath and rolls his ankle - he hops about in agony for a bit but will be fine to carry on. Phew. Sexton sticks a penalty for a lineout on the five-metre. Time for Toner to dominate.
  • 70 min: Cronin hits Toner and the maul is set. They can't get much traction so it's moved to Aki flying in on the angle. Ireland hammer away for eight phases but then Argentina turn it over under the posts.
  • 71 MIN: IRELAND 25 ARGENTINA 17
  • 72 min: Lovely run up the middle from Aki, like a bulldozer wearing ballet shoes, and Ireland are in the ascendancy. They work it right to Larmour who accelerates and moves it back inside - there's some fine handling from O'Mahony and Earls to keep the ball alive.

  • 74 min: 18 phases for Ireland - tireless Argentina defence but they're worn down eventually.

    Sexton over the penalty just outside the 22 - nails it.

    76 MIN: IRELAND 28 ARGENTINA 17

  • 78 min: Ireland have dominated territory in the last 20 minutes or so - it's been an arm wrestle at times but they've dug in.

    Ryan has been awarded man of the match.

  • 80 min: One last effort from Argentina, they're on the ball but inside the Ireland half. There's a knock-on, and that should be that.
  • FT: IRELAND 28 ARGENTINA 17

  • Not the most fluent performance from Ireland - far from it - but there is something to take from those last 30 minutes. The lineout will have to improve, and the discipline, if the All Blacks are going to be beaten.

    Gerry Thornley's match report will be live shortly.

    See you next week for the big one!